A Simple Guide To Choosing the Right Microphone for Your Fandom Content & Video Marketing!

Joe Piddington’s simple guide to choosing the perfect microphone for fandom brands and pop culture content creators. ©Ocean View Studios Ltd

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why the right microphone

is crucial for content creation

and video production

Your fandom content deserves to be heard! Whether you're capturing thrilling D&D gameplay, breaking down a gripping comic book storyline, or showcasing your latest tabletop gaming content, bad audio is damaging your videos, reducing viewer engagement, and potentially costing you sales. Think upgrading your visuals is enough? Not if your sound is muffled, echoey, or drowned out by background noise.

But nail your audio setup, and suddenly your videos sound professional, your voice commands attention, and your audience stays engaged.

Before grabbing that shiny new microphone, here’s the secret: it’s not just about the gear you choose, but how you use it. This simple audio guide will help you elevate your fandom content and video marketing by mastering clear, crisp audio. Ready to make your content sound as epic as it looks? Let’s get started!

Curious who’s behind this blog?
Hi, I’m Joe P, a creative director, producer, and lifelong fandom nerd. I’m on a mission to help fandom creators and businesses stand out with scroll-stopping video marketing that actually connects.

If you want the full backstory (from painting Marvel shoes to blowing up thanks to WrestleMania), check out The Origin Story of Ocean View Studios to see how it all started.

Now that we’re friends, let’s dive in.

Ocean View Studios creating fandom content, setting up a microphone for a live gaming stream for geek culture and fandom brands. Photography: ©Twinsterphoto

step one: essential audio tips

for fandom content creators

and video marketers

1. Built-in vs External Mics Explained: Why a Dedicated Microphone Matters for Your Fandom Videos

Relying on built-in microphones might feel convenient, but they often pick up distracting background noise, echoes, and unwanted sounds, resulting in audio that feels more like amateur fanfiction than cinematic storytelling. A dedicated external mic, however, captures crisp, clear sound that instantly enhances your video quality.

• Built-in Mics: Capture distracting noise, leading to amateur sound.

• External Mics: Enhance clarity and professionalism even on a budget. More on this later on!

Joe P’s Top Tip: Unsure where to start? Grab an affordable lapel mic first. Even a simple £15 lavalier mic vastly improves your audio, transforming your cosplay tutorials or D&D streams. Your viewers will appreciate not having to strain to clearly hear you!

2. Room Acoustics Explained: How Your Recording Space Shapes Your Sound

Think of your recording space as the backdrop to your favorite comic book page, if it’s cluttered or messy, the story gets lost. Echoes from bare walls or background noises like buzzing PCs can quickly ruin your audio quality. Good room acoustics make your voice clear.

• Echo Reduction: Use rugs, curtains, or acoustic foam to absorb sound reflections. Flat surfaces are the enemy and must be destroyed.

• Noise Control: Record during quieter times, silence noisy appliances, and close windows to avoid unwanted noise.

• Audio Levels: Make sure your audio isn’t too loud or too quiet. A good rule of thumb is to keep the loudest parts (the peaks) of your audio around -12 dB. This gives you enough headroom (extra space) to avoid distortion, which usually happens when the volume suddenly spikes. Keeping things at this level helps your sound stay clean and clear.

Joe P’s Top Tip: Before you hit record, do a quick test to check for any background noise or buzzing your mic might be picking up. Fixing it early means you’ll get clean, clear audio right from the start.

3. Mic Positioning Explained: Get Perfect Audio by Adjusting Distance & Angle

Even the best microphone performs poorly if wrongly positioned, but get the placement right ensures your audio captures every epic dice roll or passionate review clearly and consistently.

• Lapel Mic: Clip around 6-8 inches below your chin for clear dialogue.

• Shotgun Mic: Aim directly at your mouth, just off-camera, to focus audio.

• USB/Desktop Mic: Keep it 6-12 inches away, speaking directly into the mic’s front.

Joe P’s Top Tip: Maintain a consistent distance away, imagine a "hang loose” aka a phone gesture for us millennials 🤙 (place your thumb to mouth, pinky to mic). Depending on your mic small positioning adjustments can significantly boost the final result, so make sure to do a few tests to make sure you hit that sweet spot.

4. Polar Patterns Explained: Choosing the Right Mic for Your Setup

Microphones don’t just differ in size and price. They also “listen” differently depending on their polar pattern, which is how they pick up sound from different directions. Understanding your mic's polar pattern will help you get clean, intentional audio in any setting.

• Omni-directional: Captures sound equally from all directions, forming a spherical pickup pattern. Ideal for capturing ambient sounds or group discussions where sound sources are spread out.
  Common mic types: Lavalier mics, USB conference mics, some condenser mics.

• Bi-directional (Figure-8): Picks up sound from the front and rear while rejecting sound from the sides, creating a figure-eight pattern. Useful for interviews or duets where two sound sources are opposite each other.
  Common mic types: Ribbon microphones, large-diaphragm studio condensers.

• Cardioid: Captures sound primarily from the front, with reduced sensitivity on the sides and minimal pickup from the rear, forming a heart-shaped pattern. Effective for isolating a single sound source in moderately noisy environments.
  Common mic types: Dynamic handhelds, USB podcast mics, vocal condensers.

• Super-cardioid: Features a narrower front pickup than cardioid, with a small lobe of sensitivity at the rear, resulting in a tighter heart-shaped pattern. Suitable for focusing on a sound source while minimising ambient noise.
  Common mic types: Short shotgun mics, some live vocal mics.

• Hyper-cardioid: Offers an even narrower front pickup than super-cardioid, with a more pronounced rear lobe, creating a highly directional pattern. Ideal for isolating sound in loud environments.
  Common mic types: Medium-length shotgun, directional boom mics.

• Lobar: Exhibits an extremely focused front pickup with minimal side sensitivity and some rear pickup, achieved through an interference tube design. Best for capturing sound from a distance in controlled settings.
  Common mic types: Long shotgun microphones designed for film and broadcast.

Joe P’s Top Tip: Don’t overthink it. If you’re just starting out, a cardioid mic will serve you well for most fandom content. But if you're upgrading or working in tricky spaces, understanding polar patterns will help you make smarter microphone choices.

5. Audio Monitoring Explained: How Sound Checks Ensure Consistent Quality

Routine audio checks or real-time monitoring will save your audio from any unexpected disasters, keeping your fandom content sounding professional. I’ll fix it in post is something no editor wants to hear, for good reason.

• Pre-Recording Checks: Record quick test clips and review with headphones before full hitting record on that full session.

• Real-Time Monitoring: When possible, wear headphones during filming to instantly catch and fix audio issues.

• Monitor Sound Level: Make sure at all times you are monitoring your sound levels.

Joe P’s Top Tip: Treat every recording session as a live stage performance, always give a quick “check 1-2” sound test first. Catching issues early prevents frustrating retakes and ensures your fandom content always sounds it’s best.

Of course, great audio is only half the battle. You still need to understand how to bring your visuals to life. For tips on getting it right, check out my Simple Guide To Choosing the Right Camera for Your Fandom Content!

But before you start thinking visuals, let’s finish learning about mics and how to choose the right one for your content.

Joe Piddington explaining how microphone polar patterns work for geek culture and fandom content creation, covering omni-directional, bi-directional, cardioid, super-cardioid, hyper-cardioid and lobar. ©Ocean View Studios Ltd

step two: how to choose the best

microphone for your fandom

and geek culture content

Now that you’ve got the basics of good audio sorted, it’s time to look at the different types of microphones out there. Just like cameras, different mics work better in different situations. Let’s break down the most popular microphone types to help boost your fandom content and video marketing.

Wireless Microphones
Wireless mics are like the superheroes of sound, no messy cables, just full freedom to move. They usually come in a kit with a transmitter and receiver. You clip the mic onto your clothes, and it sends the audio wirelessly to your camera, phone or recording device.

• Best for: Interviews, behind-the-scenes content, comic-con videos and event walkarounds.

• Why it’s great: Lets you move around easily, perfect for active shoots.

• Things to note: More expensive than wired mics and the batteries need regular charging or replacing.

Wired Lapel Microphones (Lavalier Mics)
Lapel mics (also called lavaliers) clip onto your shirt or jacket and give you clear sound right from your voice. These are great for beginners filming in one place, like comic reviews, card unboxings, or board game tutorials.

• Best for: Beginners, YouTubers, tutorials, and fixed setups.

• Why it’s great: Cheap, simple to use, and makes your voice sound much better.

• Things to note: The cable limits your movement and can be tricky to manage.

Shotgun Microphones
Shotgun mics pick up sound from one direction and block out the rest. You can mount them above or below your camera shot so they’re not seen on screen. They’re great for clean dialogue without showing the mic.

• Best for: Short films, cosplay scenes, talks and interviews.

• Why it’s great: Cuts out background noise and focuses on voices.

• Things to note: Works best when close to the speaker, too far away can sound echoey.

USB Desktop Microphones
USB mics (like the Blue Yeti) plug straight into your computer and are easy to use. They’re great for home setups where you’re staying in one spot, like Twitch streaming, voiceovers or virtual tabletop games.

• Best for: Streaming, YouTube, D&D sessions and voice recording.

• Why it’s great: Top sound quality and super easy to set up.

• Things to note: Not ideal for moving around, they work best in a quiet room.

Podcast Microphones
Podcast mics, like the popular Shure SM7B, are made for voice recordings and sound super smooth. They’re great for long chats, interviews or any kind of talk-heavy content.

• Best for: Podcasts, interviews and deep-dive voiceovers.

• Why it’s great: Rich, warm sound and blocks out background noise.

• Things to note: Often need extra gear to work and aren’t good for filming on the move.

Which Mic is Right for You? If mobility is your priority, go wireless. Need affordable quality for tutorials or reviews? Pick a lapel mic. For cinematic cosplay skits and short films, grab a shotgun mic. Streaming from home or narrating your fandom insights? A USB desktop or a podcast mic are both great options.

Ready to combine amazing audio with cinematic visuals? Check out my Simple Guide To Choosing the Right Lighting, to ensure your entire setup shines, even without a fancy camera!

Now that you understand the basics; let’s explore some top microphone picks for fandom creators!

Joe Piddington talks about how to choose the best microphones for filming fandom content for geek culture and pop culture brands, featuring wireless mics, lavalier mics, shotgun mics, USB desktop mics and podcast mics. ©Ocean View Studios Ltd

step three: ultimate reviewing and

buying guide - top microphones for

fandom content and video marketing

Now that you’ve nailed the basics, it’s time to upgrade your mic setup. But with so many options out there, knowing where to begin can be tricky. So, I’ve narrowed it down to my top five picks, mics that are perfect for all kinds of creators, from beginners to seasoned pros.

1. Rode VideoMic Pro+ (Shotgun Microphone)

Release Year: 2017
Price Range: £220 – £250 / $299 – $320
View the Rode VideoMic Pro+ on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4mgrG1O

Pros:

• Clear, Pro-Level Sound: Gives you really crisp, detailed audio. Perfect for high-quality filming.

• Smart Battery Features: Turns on and off with your camera, so you don’t waste power. Comes with a rechargeable battery.

• Extra Audio Tools: Has a built-in high-pass filter and boost settings to make your sound even better.

• Compact & Lightweight: Easy to use on your camera without weighing it down.

Cons:

• More Expensive: One of the pricier mics.

• Not Beginner-Friendly: You’ll need to learn the settings to get the best results.

Joe P’s Personal Review: The Rode VideoMic Pro+ is a brilliant mic if you’re ready to step up your audio game. It gives clean, sharp sound and has lots of clever features, making it worth every penny.

Joe Piddington talks about his top pick for a shotgun microphone the Rode VideoMic Pro+, for fandom and geek culture brands and content creators. Image design: ©Ocean View Studios Ltd / Photography: ©Rode

2. Shure MV7+ (Hybrid USB/XLR Dynamic Podcast Microphone)

Release Year: 2024
Price Range: £220 – £250 / $299 – $389
View the Shure MV7+ on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3GOul2P

Pros:

• USB-C & XLR Outputs: Works with both computers and pro audio setups, great for growing with your gear.

• Focused Sound: Dynamic mic with cardioid pickup, so it picks up your voice clearly and cuts out background noise.

• Touch Panel: Simple-to-use LED panel for quick setting tweaks.

• Built-in Audio Features: Includes smart tools like noise reduction and pop filters for cleaner sound.

• Pro Build: Sturdy and stylish, looks the part on camera.

Cons:

• Higher Price: More expensive than entry-level mics.

• Not Travel-Friendly: Best for a desk or studio, not ideal for filming on the move.

• Advanced Settings: Some features need basic audio know-how.

Joe P’s Personal Review: The Shure MV7+ is a top-tier choice for pro-level content creation. Its dual connection options make it easy to switch from live streams to studio recordings. Sound quality is crisp and clear, and the LED panel adds a nice custom touch. If you’re serious about your sound, this mic is a strong investment.

Joe Piddington talks about his top pick for a podcast microphone the Shure MV7+, for fandom and geek culture brands and content creators. Image design: ©Ocean View Studios Ltd / Photography: ©Shure

3. DJI Mic Mini (Wireless Microphone System)

Release Year: 2024
Price Range: £145 – £170 / $169 – $180
View the DJI Mic Mini on Amazon: https://amzn.to/44z8tlP

Pros:

• Ultra-Compact: Lightweight (around 10g per transmitter), comfy and subtle.

• Clean Audio: Built-in noise reduction helps in busy environments.

• Long Battery Life: Up to 48 hours with the charging case, great for long shoots.

• Flexible Setup: Works with smartphones and cameras straight out of the box.

• Dual Transmitters: Perfect for interviews or two presenters.

• Easy Pairing: Auto-connects for fast, fuss-free setup.

Cons:

• Costly for Beginners: More expensive than wired kits.

• Needs Charging: Keep an eye on battery life during long shoots.

• Tiny Parts: Easy to misplace if you’re not careful.

• No Mic Input: Uses only the built-in microphones.

Joe P’s Personal Review: The DJI Mic Mini is a game-changer for creators on the go. It’s super portable, easy to use, and delivers great audio quality. Perfect for vloggers, events, or product walkthroughs. It’s not cheap, but the freedom it gives is well worth it.

Joe Piddington talks about his top pick for a wireless microphone the DJI mic mini, for fandom and geek culture brands and content creators. Image design: ©Ocean View Studios Ltd / Photography: ©DJI

4. Samson Q2U (USB/XLR Dynamic Microphone)

Release Year: 2007
Price Range: £87 – £100 / $67 – $110
View the Samson Q2U on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4myatRZ

Pros:

• Dual Outputs: USB and XLR connections make it flexible for different setups.

• Voice Focus: Cardioid pattern cuts background noise and keeps your voice crisp.

• Everything Included: Comes with stand, windscreen, clip, and cables.

• Easy Setup: Plug-and-play on both Windows and Mac.

Cons:

• Build Quality: Durable, but not as premium as more expensive mics.

• No Extra Features: No mute button or gain control onboard.

Joe P’s Personal Review: The Samson Q2U is a fantastic mic for anyone just getting started. Its dual connections mean you can grow with it, and it works right out of the box. Whether you’re podcasting or filming tutorials, it’s a brilliant all-rounder for new creators.

Joe Piddington talks about his top pick for a USB and XLR dynamic microphone the Samson Q2U, for fandom and geek culture brands and content creators. Image design: ©Ocean View Studios Ltd / Photography: ©Samson

5. PowerDeWise Lavalier Lapel Microphone (Wired Mic)

Release Year: 2018
Price Range: £30 – £38 / $24 – $30
View the PowerDeWise Lavalier on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4myaLbx

Pros:

• Plug In and Go: No batteries needed. Just plug it in and start recording.

• Captures All Around You: Picks up voices clearly, even if you move a little while talking.

• Long Cable: Gives you space to move. Great for interviews or demo videos.

Cons:

• Tied to a Cable: Being wired means less freedom to move about.

• May Need an Adapter: Some phones or cameras need an extra adapter for it to work.

Joe P’s Personal Review: This mic is a total steal for creators on a budget. It’s super easy to use, sounds great, and works straight out of the box. If you’re just starting out or want a simple backup mic, this one’s a no-brainer.

Joe Piddington talks about his top pick for a wired microphone the PowerDeWise lavalier lapel, for fandom and geek culture brands and content creators. Image design: ©Ocean View Studios Ltd / Photography: ©PowerDeWise

choosing the perfect microphone

for your fandom content

Now that you understand the basics of great audio, “it’s time” to put that knowledge to work! Whether you’re planning to stream a live D&D session, film your next cosplay walkthrough, or start a fandom podcast, these three microphones will take your sound quality to the next level.

Ready to get started? Grab your new mic today using my links above, doing so helps support me in creating more content like this at no extra cost to you.

Already picked up one of these mics, or have a favourite you swear by? I’d love to hear from you! Drop a comment below, share your setup, and let’s help each other build better, clearer, and more awesome fandom content together.

Now that you have your new microphone it’s time to start thinking about elevating your visuals. Check out my Camera Lens Blog to find the perfect match for your fandom setup!

Meet Joe Piddington a creative director, producer, and lifelong fandom nerd. Helping geek and pop culture brands with video production and social media marketing. ©Ocean View Studios Ltd

Keep checking back for updated mic reviews and audio tips tailored for creators, streamers, and pop culture businesses. This blog is regularly updated with fresh recommendations and gear breakdowns to help your content sound just as epic as it looks.

Catch you in the next one. Happy recording! - Joe Piddington